What is a Motif & Examples

A motif is a recurring element, theme, idea, or symbol in a literary work that holds significance and contributes to the overall meaning or atmosphere of the piece. Motifs can be images, words, objects, sounds, or concepts that repeat throughout the work, creating a pattern that enhances the depth and coherence of the narrative. Here are a few examples of motifs in literature:

Water:

Example: In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” the water motif is recurrent. From the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock to the rain during Gatsby’s reunion with Daisy, water symbolizes both elusive dreams and the passage of time.

Light and Darkness:

Example: William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” employs the motif of light and darkness. The contrast between light (representing love, hope, and life) and darkness (symbolizing conflict, secrecy, and death) intensifies the play’s themes.

Nature:

Example: In Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” the motif of nature is pervasive. The sublime landscapes, the changing seasons, and the natural world mirror the emotional and moral developments of the characters, contributing to the overall gothic atmosphere.

Journey:

Example: J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy features the motif of the hero’s journey. The quest to destroy the One Ring involves physical and spiritual journeys, and this motif reflects the broader theme of personal growth and triumph over adversity.

The Double:

Example: Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “The Double” explores the motif of duality through the protagonist encountering his doppelgänger. This motif serves as a psychological exploration of the character’s internal conflicts and the theme of identity.

Time:

Example: In Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway,” the motif of time is central. The ticking of clocks, the striking of Big Ben, and the characters’ reflections on the past and future contribute to the novel’s exploration of memory, mortality, and the passage of time.

Fate vs. Free Will:

Example: Sophocles’ play “Oedipus Rex” revolves around the motif of fate vs. free will. Oedipus’s attempts to escape his prophesied destiny inadvertently lead him to fulfill it, highlighting the tragic interplay between fate and individual choices.

Isolation:

Example: In Charlotte Brontë’s “Jane Eyre,” the motif of isolation is prevalent. From the red-room punishment in her childhood to her experiences at Thornfield, Jane’s sense of isolation contributes to her character development and the exploration of societal expectations.

These examples illustrate how motifs can be woven into the fabric of a literary work, enriching the narrative with layers of meaning and thematic resonance.